AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn coach Gus Malzahn reminded his football team that its off day was Wednesday. Thursday was the day for work.

"Coming off an off day, I could tell about half of them weren’t into practice when we were warming up. I challenged them," said Malzahn of the morning practice. "Today, they rose to the occasion. I really liked their attitude. We are learning to practice and I think that’s a big thing."

The result was a "good practice" in the first session in full pads. Auburn practiced again Thursday afternoon, the last scheduled two-a-day session of the fall.

The Tigers practiced inside because of rain, though much of Auburn's practices are conducted in the indoor facility, rain or shine.

And that's where the quarterback race continued. Malzahn said he'd like to pick a starter "before next Monday," though he certainly left the door open for an extended search.

Malzahn, a former walk-on way back when, called the three "character guys and they represent our program well on the field and in the classroom. I was really excited to do that."

Physical work

Auburn has been slowed by some injuries.

"We’ve had a very physical camp and we’re a little banged up, but not a bad banged up," Malzahn said. I think we’ve been working very hard on getting our edge back and being physical. That was part of the plan."